Barrie 
Sainte-Marie’s First Light holiday event is back this year for its 25th holiday celebration.
Credit: Saint Marie Among the Hurons
This fun family event will begin on November 27th at the historic site home to Ontario’s first European community and 17th-century French Jesuit Mission.
Walk down paths illuminated by the warm glow of thousands of candles while you glimpse how life was at Sainte-Marie’s during the early days. Admire all the pretty holiday displays and decorations around the place and take several pictures.
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What’s New in 2025
Like last year, Sainte-Marie’s First Light includes access to the historic Martyrs’ Shrine, giving guests the chance to experience holiday cheer across two locations. With expanded festive activities, including the candlelit paths and displays at both sites, First Light provides an enriched experience of holiday traditions and new attractions.
Credit: Martyrs’ Shrine/Credit: Saint Marie Among the Hurons
- Behind-the-Scenes Experience: Guests can help light lanterns between 4:30–5:30 p.m., followed by storytelling and cider with Tracy Lynn Wadge of the Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte before gates open.
- Choir Revolution Fridays: Join a candlelight choir, learning and performing Put a Little Love in Your Heart with no prior singing experience.
What Else to See and Do in 2025
Known for its warm candlelit ambiance and a vast range of family-friendly activities, this celebrated gathering showcases historical demonstrations, live musical performances, holiday dining, and an artisan market. This year, the event offers access to both sites under a single ticket, making it an even more appealing destination for visitors.
- Entertainment: Enjoy nightly live entertainment, including Celtic harp, hand drumming, choral music, and family-friendly activities such as candle making, blacksmithing, and visits with Saint Nicholas.
- Experience themed evenings each week: fireworks and choirs on Thursdays, choir participation and bird of prey presentations on Fridays, Ariko Trio’s live French-Canadian music on Saturdays, and Advent Mass at Martyrs’ Shrine and Karla Crawford’s concert on Sundays.
- Dine on-site with options from takeout favourites like tacos and turkey poutine to holiday buffets or a prix fixe Dinner Under the Stars at Restaurant Sainte-Marie (reservations required).
- Shopping Opportunities:
- Begin holiday shopping at the extensive arts and crafts market, featuring unique items from local artisans and crafters.
- The Shrine Giftstore and Flint & Timber Boutique offer additional shopping experiences, perfect for finding unique gifts and souvenirs.
Trip Planning — First Light 2025
Sainte-Marie among the Hurons
What: Sainte-Marie’s “First Light” is a must-see Ontario Top 100 event, all amidst the spectacular glow of over 5,000 candles. The magic begins when visitors approach the candlelit historic site, as a beautiful amber glow illuminates the famous 17th-century mission.
When:
Thursdays through Sundays, November 27 to December 14, 2025 | 5:30 to 9 p.m.
Fireworks (Thursday nights only at 7 p.m.)
How much:
$15 a person (tax inc.)
First Light Behind the Scenes Experience:: $159.82 & up
First Light Holiday Buffet at Restaurant Sainte-Marie (admission inclusive): $37.00 & up
Where:
Sainte-Marie among the Hurons, 16164 HWY 12 E, Midland
Martyrs’ Shrine, 16163 Ontario Highway 12, West, Midland
Limited on-site parking is available, and a free shuttle service operates continuously from the Midland Walmart from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m., ensuring convenient transportation for visitors.
Wheelchair-accessible parking spots are available but tend to fill up quickly, and there are no reserved parking spaces for choir members or tour groups. Sainte-Marie’s First Light promises an enchanting experience for all who attend this annual holiday tradition.
